Psychiatry International

Background and objectives. Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are frequently present in university students, even without a clinical diagnosis, and may be aggravated by various factors. This study analyzes the relationship between these symptoms and the use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other drugs by young university students. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 397 university students using an anonymous online questionnaire. ADHD symptoms were assessed with the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), alcohol use with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), nicotine dependence with the Fagerström test, cannabis use with the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST), and the use of other substances with an adaptation of the latter. Results. The mean age was 21.4 years, and most participants (76.6%) were women. Of the participants, 46.1% presented symptoms compatible with ADHD according to the ASRS. The most frequent items were difficulty maintaining attention during boring tasks (77.3%), avoiding tasks that require mental effort (76.8%), and being easily distracted by noise or external activity (73.8%). Significant differences were found between ASRS scores and gender, with scores being higher and more consistent among those students who identified themselves as non-binary gender (male or female) (p < 0.01). A significant association was also found between smoking and a higher ASRS score (p < 0.01). Although no significant associations with body mass index were detected, a trend toward greater symptomatology was observed in obese individuals. In multivariate analysis, still gender and smoking significantly (p = 0.12 and p = 0.031, respectively) predicted ADHD symptoms (ASRS score). The model R = 0.228 (R squared = 0.052, F = 1.62, p = 0.077). No statistically significant differences were found between ADHD symptoms and the use of alcohol, cannabis, or other substances in either bivariate or multivariate analyses. Conclusions. This study underscores the importance of early detection of ADHD symptoms in the university setting, considering factors such as gender and smoking habit. Future research should focus on aggravating factors such as academic stress and problematic technology use. Full article

There is a growing interest in ToM performance among individuals with psychiatric disorders. However, the difference and the performance level between different diagnoses are unclear. Here, we compared the ToM abilities of schizophrenia (SZ), schizoaffective (SZaff), and borderline personality individuals (BPD) with healthy individuals. Individuals with SZ (n = 44), SZaff (n = 11), BPD (n = 11), and healthy individuals (n = 18) were recruited from Mazor Mental Health Center. All groups underwent the Reading Mind in the Eyes (RME) and the Faux Pas recognition test (FB) to assess TOM ability and completed empathy and autism questionnaires. The current results show that the three diagnostic groups performed worse in the RME and FB test compared to healthy individuals. However, women with BPD performed significantly better in ToM tasks than women with SZ and SZaff. Individuals with schizophrenia and BPD scored higher on the autism spectrum questionnaire, while all the diagnostic groups scored lower on the empathy quotient scale than healthy individuals. Finally, a positive correlation was found between ToM ability and empathy. Strikingly, our findings challenge the ability to use ToM as a differential clinical diagnostic tool, especially among men, and strengthen the correlation between decreased empathy and impaired ToM. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic is considered a potentially traumatic event, as it introduced new challenges and threats to people around the world, disrupting daily life due to the restrictions imposed. The psychological defenses of individuals mobilized to deal with stress reactions are influenced by a set of factors, including previous traumatic experiences, which can amplify the current trauma. Recognizing that people exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have increased risks of an array of adverse mental and physical health outcomes throughout life, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between ACEs—more specifically, child abuse and child neglect—and PTSD symptoms in a sample of European adults during the pandemic. A sample of 8459 participants (67.1% female and 32.9% male, with a mean of 43.95 years old) was evaluated. The survey questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5), and the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire. According to our findings, younger women who have suffered from child abuse or child neglect are more likely to develop PTSD symptoms. The most significant factor influencing the PTSD risk was child neglect, contrary to many studies that indicate that child abuse is the most impactful adverse childhood experience. Full article

Psychotherapy has become a necessity for Parkinson’s patients suffering from anxiety disorder. There are different types of therapy; for example, Morita therapy, first proposed in 1919, is a psychological therapy. It is mainly used as an alternative therapy in Asian countries such as Japan and China. Morita therapy focuses on accepting emotions, including anxiety, rather than trying to reduce them. Although it has had an impact on treating anxiety disorder in other populations, there have been no studies to date investigating the evidence and effects of Morita therapy on anxiety disorder in Parkinson’s patients. This opinion article focuses on conducting a literature review to identify relevant studies on the applications of Morita therapy in anxiety disorders and explore the possibility of proposing it as a treatment option for Parkinson’s patients. Full article

(1) Background: Acromegaly is a rare disease associated with multiple complications. Consequently, it has a high clinical burden, which leads to a lower quality of life (QoL). The Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire (AcroQoL) is a specific tool developed to assess the impact of the disease on a patient’s physical and emotional well-being. Current research on anxiety has shown that higher levels of psychosocial factors are linked to a poorer quality of life. (2) Methods: Our study included 40 patients (26 women and 14 men) with a mean disease duration of 85.9 ± 97.7 months. Information about disease status, associated comorbidities, and clinical and paraclinical data was obtained. All patients completed the AcroQoL questionnaire. (3) Results: The lowest score was observed on the physical scale, while the least affected scale was personal relations. Biochemical parameters, biochemical control, and adenoma size were not associated with a lower QoL. Gender, age at diagnosis, and comorbidities, such as hypertension and arthropathy, were associated with a decrease in QoL. Additionally, the presence of anxiety and depression, which were mostly reported by women (30.7%), had a negative impact on the global QoL. (4) Conclusions: Early diagnosis of acromegaly can increase the QoL by preventing comorbidities, but there are also non-modifiable factors that have been associated with a decreased QoL. Preventing depression and anxiety could serve as important targets for future interventions. Full article

Introduction: In the literature, depression is a medical condition that is well known and has been studied for decades, yet in clinical practice it often happens that depressive symptoms are confused with structured disorders or complexes. This incorrect interpretation can lead the psychiatrist to choose to make a psychopharmacological prescription, relegating psychotherapy to mere support or in any case reducing its importance, risking making the patient’s symptoms chronic and overloading the healthcare system. Materials and Methods: The literature up to December 2024 was reviewed and 40 articles were included in the review. A pilot study was conducted to verify the effectiveness and validation of the proposed theoretical model. Results: We propose the use of the “Perrotta Depressive Symptoms Assessment” (PDSYA) for the differential diagnosis in disorders with the manifestation of depressive symptoms, to facilitate the correct diagnosis and to reduce interpretative errors, both at a nosographic and therapeutic level. Conclusions: In the pilot study, in the content validity analysis, all items obtained a CVR score greater than the cut-off value, with a minimum score of 0.811. Therefore, all items of the scale were considered essential; also, regarding the relevance of the items in exploring the constructs investigated, optimal values of I-CVI (>0.93) and scale (S-CVI > 0.98) were obtained. Therefore, all items were rated as relevant. The validation study of the model is underway with a representative sample. Full article

Specialized mental health services (SMHS) should be accessible to all populations. This study investigated the accessibility of public SMHS for children and adolescent patients, as well as their caregivers, in Mexico. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 400 patient–caregiver dyads receiving care at two primary SMHS facilities. The survey included indicators within four dimensions of accessibility: (1) organizational entry into SMHS; (2) organizational processes within SMHS; (3) ecological factors; (4) financial aspects. Additionally, six outcome variables were explored, including perceived health conditions and quality of care indicators. A principal component analysis (PCA) was utilized to construct four accessibility indices. Subsequently, multiple linear regression models were applied to examine the relationship between these accessibility indices and the outcome variables. Several indicators yielded notable results. The average emergency ward waiting time was 74.3 min (SD = 95.99), the post-hospitalization wait time was 1.28 weeks (SD = 1.85), and the average medical costs amounted to 962.6 Mexican pesos (SD = 2555.1). Several of the tested relationships between accessibility indices and outcome variables were statistically significant; organizational processes within SMHS and financial indices had a higher number of these significant relationships. These findings highlight the significant challenges in improving accessibility to public SMHS for children and adolescents in Mexico. Full article

This cross-sectional study investigates the association between the behavior of children aged 8–12 years old and key factors such as body mass index (BMI), sleep quality, and emotional intelligence (EI). It aims to explore how these variables interrelate and impact children’s overall behavior during a crucial developmental stage. A sample of children was assessed using standardized measures for BMI, sleep quality, and emotional intelligence (EI), while their behaviors were evaluated using behavioral scales. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine significant associations between these factors. For the data collection, we used sociodemographic questionnaire and the family affluence scale (FAS), and for the evaluation of sleep quality, we used the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Moreover, the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire—Child Short Form (TEIQue-CSF) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) were used for the evaluation of emotional intelligence and behavior. The findings reveal noteworthy correlations between high BMI, poor sleep quality, and lower emotional intelligence with certain behavioral challenges, including emotional regulation and social interaction difficulties. The study underscores the importance of addressing these factors to support the healthy psychological and physical development of children. Further research is suggested to explore potential interventions. Full article

Background: The perinatal period is a critical phase in a woman’s life, during which cultural and contextual factors significantly influence her physical and emotional well-being, as well as her transition to motherhood. Understanding cultural differences—such as those between Brazil and Spain—is essential for improving tailored perinatal care. Objective: This study explores and compares the perinatal experiences of women in Spain and Brazil, with a focus on their postpartum support needs and mental health implications. Method: A qualitative design was employed, using in-depth interviews with 22 postpartum women—11 from Spain and 11 from Brazil. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide, and the data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: Common themes across both cultural contexts included the importance of preparation for childbirth, the need for emotional and psychological support, challenges related to breastfeeding, and adjustments to physical and psychological changes. Cultural differences were also identified: Brazilian women tended to engage in more detailed planning and valued the support of professionals such as doulas and midwives, whereas Spanish women emphasized the importance of having their choices respected during childbirth. Notably, both groups experienced significant emotional challenges, highlighting crucial considerations for maternal mental health. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive perinatal support programs that address the emotional and psychological needs of postpartum women, aiming to improve mental health outcomes. Full article

Divorce represents a significant life transition with implications for emotional well-being, social integration, and economic security. This study examines the post-divorce experiences of women in Abu Dhabi, focusing on four challenges: financial insecurity, emotional distress, co-parenting difficulties, and struggles in forming new relationships. Drawing on data from the 5th Cycle of the Abu Dhabi Quality of Life Survey (n = 4347), the study explores how these challenges affect indicators such as life satisfaction, mental health, social trust, and financial stability. The findings show financial insecurity is the most prevalent and detrimental issue, particularly among older and less-educated women. Co-parenting stress peaks among women aged 35–49, while non-Emirati women report heightened financial vulnerability. Emotional distress is associated with poor sleep, reduced trust, and digital coping behaviors. Older women face greater social reintegration challenges. Religious practice emerges as a frequent coping mechanism, especially among those experiencing stigma and isolation. Guided by the Stress Process Model, the study highlights the interplay of social and psychological stressors and offers practical insights for psychiatric and mental health practitioners supporting women through family disruption. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the mediating effects of depression and interpersonal contact on the association between cognitive function and activities of daily living (ADL) in older adult patients with dementia. This descriptive cross-sectional study used the 2020 Korea Elderly Survey and included 189 older adults aged 65 years who were diagnosed with dementia by a physician. The analysis involved descriptive statistics and correlation analysis with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0, and the dual mediation effect was analyzed with PROCESS Macro for SPSS version 3.5 Model 6. Cognitive function was negatively related to both ADL and depression but positively correlated with interpersonal contact. ADL exhibited positive and negative correlations with depression and interpersonal contact, respectively. Cognitive function significantly affected ADL and depression. Cognitive function significantly affected interpersonal contact, but depression was not significant. Finally, cognitive function exhibited a significant effect on ADL, but depression and interpersonal contact were not significant. Cognitive function showed the greatest effect on ADL in older adults diagnosed with dementia. Therefore, a program to prevent cognitive decline in older adults with dementia needs to be developed. Additionally, further studies are warranted to investigate the factors that affect the association between cognitive function and ADL in older adults with dementia. Full article

Public safety personnel (PSP) are known to experience difficult and demanding occupational environments, which were further complicated by the COVID-19 crisis. While public safety research typically focuses on the impact of operational stressors on PSP functioning and wellbeing, relatively less is known about the types and impacts of organizational stressors and how all these affect social wellbeing during the pandemic. The current study surveyed Canadian firefighters (n = 123), paramedics (n = 246), and public safety communicators (n = 48) that continued to serve the public over the course of the pandemic. Participants responded to two open-ended survey questions about how COVID-19 affected their lives at work and home. Using an inductive thematic analysis approach, responses were coded to identify emergent, data-driven themes while drawing on existing theory for analysis. Across occupational groups, qualitative analyses revealed that the public safety measures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated existing operational and organizational strains, including increased exposure to distressing calls, absenteeism and coping with alcohol, and a lack of support from management. Participants also identified financial strain and housing insecurity as stressors, as well as frustration and helplessness at others’ non-compliance with public health advisories and protocols. Communication surrounding the rationale behind government decision-making, the efficacy of serology tests, and rates of infection were also identified. Together, these findings offer a nuanced understanding of the interplay among operational, organizational, and social stressors experienced by Canadian PSP during the COVID-19 pandemic, illuminating their impact on mental health and wellbeing, and identifying targeted areas of focus for future planning and meaningful intervention to support PSP wellness. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted youth with chronic physical illness (CPI) and their caregivers. Emerging research aimed at understanding the impacts of the pandemic on this population is predominantly quantitative, lacking qualitative insights. This study used a qualitative approach to examine the experiences of COVID-19 among youth with CPI and their families, exploring how the pandemic impacted their mental health and use of mental health services. Using a constructivist paradigm and a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with youth with CPI (n = 8) and their primary caregiver (n = 13) between March 2021 and May 2021. Thematic analysis was used to identify three key themes: (1) mental health impact on youth, (2) caregiver mental health declines, and (3) variability in the experiences of mental healthcare. The findings highlight the heightened depression, anxiety, and stress among youth with CPI and their caregivers, exacerbated by loneliness, uncertainty, and social restrictions, while also revealing that virtual mental healthcare was perceived as less effective than in-person care, which was valued for its human connection, privacy, and comfort. These results emphasize the need for improved, comprehensive mental healthcare and the adoption of family-centred care models to strengthen caregiver–youth relationships and better integrate physical and mental healthcare to improve health outcomes for this population. Full article

Introduction: Mental health conditions include disorders, diseases, problems, and/or symptoms that affect an individual’s emotions, thoughts, and/or behaviors, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. When describing the etiology of mental health conditions, various factors are often considered, including genetic, biomedical, social, and environmental. Therefore, the theoretical framework through which mental health conditions are discussed is important to consider, as it directly affects the conceptualization and treatment of mental health conditions. This narrative review synthesized the existing literature on different theoretical frameworks that can be used to understand the etiology of mental health conditions. Methods: This review employed a pragmatic, narrative approach to literature synthesis. Google Scholar was searched using variations of the terms “theory”, “mental health”, “etiology”, and “resilience” to locate the relevant peer-reviewed literature. The identified literature was further mined for additional important evidence sources. Results: Six theoretical frameworks were identified and discussed, including (1) attachment theory, (2) intersectionality theory, (3) intergenerational theory, (4) queer theory, (5) social cognitive theory, and (6) resilience theory. Strengths and weaknesses of each theoretical framework are identified. Conclusions: Although overlap exists among these theories, the different theoretical frameworks influence the conceptualization and treatment of mental health conditions. This has important implications since perceptions about the etiology and treatment of mental health conditions can be influenced by the theoretical perspective that one adopts. Some theoretical frameworks focus predominantly on psychosocial versus biological mechanisms, or vice versa, alluding to the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to best understand the etiology and treatment of mental health conditions. Full article

Background: Cognitive decline during aging is a factor that inevitably affects everyone. In some older adults, cognitive function declines more rapidly to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and eventually dementia. Our work aimed to determine the associations between suicide-related single-nucleotide genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) and cognitive function dynamics in people over 65 years old over a three-year follow-up. Suicide-related SNPs have already shown an association with dementia in our previous study. Methods: The present study included 66 participants over 65 without subjective cognitive decline. Cognitive impairment was assessed at two follow-up points (at the start of the study in 2020–2021 and 3 years later) using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Patients were also genotyped for 16 SNPs. Results: We found associations between rs10898553 and rs165774 and MoCA 3-year dynamics, with a certain genetic variant related to more significant progression. For rs7982251, associations with scale scores were found, but no effect on its dynamics. Conclusions: The research focused on analyzing genetic factors of cognitive decline in healthy older adults without subjective cognitive decline. Identifying these markers can help predict the development of pathology at early stages and start timely treatment. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with acute leukemia in Vietnam and to identify associated sociodemographic and clinical factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center of Bach Mai Hospital, a national tertiary care facility in Hanoi, Vietnam. A total of 82 patients diagnosed with acute leukemia were recruited using a convenience sampling method. Data on sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, residence, education, occupation, marital status, and income) and clinical information (e.g., leukemia type, treatment stage, comorbidities, substance use) were collected. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Zung’s Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Multivariate logistic and Tobit regression analyses were applied to explore associated factors. Results: Participants had a mean age of 43.4 years (SD = 14.0), with 53.7% male and 69.5% residing in rural areas. Most were married (82.9%) and had completed high school (45.1%). Farmers constituted the largest occupational group (29.3%). The mean BDI score was 13.7 (SD = 9.8), and the mean SAS score was 39.2 (SD = 6.3). Overall, 50.0% of patients met criteria for depression, while 26.8% exhibited clinically significant anxiety symptoms. Among those with anxiety, 59.1% had mild symptoms, 22.7% moderate, and 18.2% severe or very severe. Patients with education above high school (OR = 7.32; 95% CI: 1.01–53.23), a spouse (OR = 25.10; 95% CI: 2.14–294.55), or comorbidities (OR = 8.05; 95% CI: 1.63–39.68) had significantly higher odds of depression. A higher income (>10 million VND/month) was associated with lower depression scores (Coef. = −6.05; 95% CI: −11.65 to −0.46). Regarding anxiety, the female gender was associated with higher odds (OR = 3.80; 95% CI: 1.21–11.93) and SAS scores (Coef. = 4.07; 95% CI: 1.64–6.51), while higher income predicted lower anxiety severity (Coef. = −3.74; 95% CI: −6.57 to −0.91). Conclusions: This Vietnamese hospital-based study highlights a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with acute leukemia. Routine mental health screening and culturally appropriate psychosocial interventions are strongly recommended to improve patient well being. Full article

This review aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary interventions on depressive symptoms, quality of life (QOL), and daily functioning in adolescents and young adults with depression. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and CENTRAL on 17 August 2024. Participants aged 13–40 years with depression, receiving dietary interventions, and enrolled in randomised controlled trials published in English after 2000 were included. For the meta-analysis of depressive symptoms, pooled Hedges’ g was calculated. Five studies involving 288 participants were included in this review, with three showing significant improvements in depressive symptoms favouring the intervention group. Three studies were included in the meta-analysis, which demonstrated a nonsignificant effect (Hedges’ g = −0.45; 95% CI: −1.29, 0.39; p = 0.2946) and high heterogeneity (I² = 88%). One study reported significant improvements in QOL, and another showed enhancements in executive function, both favouring the intervention group. All included studies reported high adherence to the intervention or low dropout rates. Dietary interventions are highly acceptable to adolescents and young adults with depression and might help improve their depressive symptoms and QOL. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to high heterogeneity and the limited number of included trials. Full article

The decline in mental health among workers in Japan has become a serious concern. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits are increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor for mental health issues, yet few individuals receive a formal ASD diagnosis. This study aims to examine whether undiagnosed but working individuals with strong ASD characteristics differ in factors related to presenteeism (low productivity) compared to their counterparts with fewer ASD traits. In particular, we investigated the impact of social camouflaging—the behavioral adaptation used to mask ASD traits—especially on workers with strong ASD characteristics. An online survey was conducted among white-collar workers aged 20 to 60. The survey included items collecting demographic information (gender, age, marital status, highest level of education completed, employment status, job title, length of employment, and working hours) and included the Japanese versions of four validated instruments to measure aspects of autism traits, social camouflaging, work functioning, and occupational stress. Of the 543 respondents, 139 (25.6%) exhibited strong ASD characteristics. These individuals reported lower productivity than their counterparts. While social camouflaging was observed across all ASD trait levels, it was specifically linked to poorer mental health and reduced productivity among workers with strong ASD characteristics. To support workplace well-being and productivity, it is crucial to increase awareness and understanding of ASD traits in professional settings and create an environment that accommodates diverse work styles. Full article

This study aimed to validate the usefulness of the Simplified Computerized Comprehensive Learning Ability Screening Test (SCLST) in schools and homes, to facilitate early detection and intervention for children with reading disorder (RD), math disorder (MD), or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants included 207 children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, RD, or MD and the healthy control group that was matched 1:1 by gender, age, and educational years. Higher rates of omission errors, commission errors, and standard deviation of response times were observed in the ADHD group (p < 0.001) in the SCLST-ADHD. The accuracy rates of the SCLST-RD and SCLST-MD were lower in the RD (p < 0.001) and MD group (p < 0.01), respectively. The mean response times were higher in the MD group (p < 0.001). In addition, the optimal sensitivity and specificity values were 84.6% and 88.5%, and the positive and negative predictive values were 88.0% and 85.2%, respectively, in the SCLST-ADHD. In the SCLTS-RD, the sensitivity and specificity values were 81.1% and 85.6%, and the positive and negative predictive values were 84.9% and 81.9%, respectively. In the SCLST-MD, the sensitivity and specificity values were 97.4% and 76.9%, and the positive and negative predictive values were 80.9% and 96.8%, respectively. Thus, by supporting timely assessment and intervention, this tool can support clinicians and educators in early-stage learning disabilities screening and reduce long-term psychosocial impairments. Full article